Vodafone Chair in Machine Learning and Data Science

Full Professor of Theoretical Physics at Bocconi University, formerly Professor at Politecnico di Torino. He was a researcher and head of the Statistical Physics Group at the International Center for Theoretical Physics in Trieste (1997 -2007), and visiting scientist in Paris (Orsay University) and at Microsoft Research. His research interests focus on the relationships between statistical physics, computer science, information theory and computational biology. His current research focuses on machine learning, computational neuroscience and the study of out-of-equilibrium phenomena.

Joint Purpose

The establishment of the Vodafone Chair in Machine Learning and Data Science in 2018 was the culmination of a multiyear collaboration with Bocconi University, which has already seen Vodafone emerge as one of the top employers of our university graduates. It is a three-year Chair funded by Vodafone, and it aims to promote cutting-edge research and the development of human capital in the field of machine learning and data science, in order to analyze large amounts of data and extract information. These methods can be used successfully in all fields of quantitative knowledge, from the natural sciences to the social sciences and economics. The development of learning algorithms for "Deep Neural Networks" (structures that mimic the functioning of the human visual system), is one of the most advanced in this field.

Data are the backbone of digitalization, the fourth industrial revolution. The new technologies, 5G in particular, accelerate the full implementation of the internet of things, deeply redesigning all industrial and service industries, enabling social innovation through smart cities. Billions of new lines of code, thousands of new digital skills, and data driven organizations will be needed. With the Vodafone Chair in Machine Learning and Data Science, we want students from one of the most prestigious universities in Europe to acquire innovative tools that will allow them to participate as protagonists in the new phase of the digital revolution that Italy is facing.

Aldo Bisio

CEO, Vodafone Italy

Core Activities

Research

Publications

Students

The Vodafone Challenge is an appointment held successfully each year as part of the Vodafone Chair in Machine Learning and Data Science. Bocconi students challenge each other in groups in a competition that aims to work on concrete solutions for several Vodafone services, with winners rewarded an internship at Vodafone.

Communication and Dissemination

The Chair's activities have been enriched over the years by the dissemination of Professor Zecchina's research results, thanks to his participation in seminars and conferences organized by the most prestigious academic and institutional entities.